Acculturation in the Fast Food Nation: Latinos (as) and the Texas Obesity Epidemic
Date
2008-01
Authors
Ceballos, Natalie A.
Czyzewska, Maria
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Abstract
Obesity is an issue of major concern in our society. Texas consistently ranks highly in reports of obesity prevalence, and young Latinos (as) comprise one of the most heavily affected groups within our state. Although much is known about the consequences of obesity, few studies have examined factors that may influence unhealthy eating among Latinos (as). Thus, this project was designed to investigate eating behaviors and acculturation changes relevant to food consumption in this population. To examine acculturation effects, data were collected from college students in central Texas, the Texas-Mexico border region, and in Mexico. Data consisted of both self-reported measures of food preferences and eating habits, as well as computerized tasks designed to assess automatic responses to food-related images and ability to control impulsive reactions. Preliminary results suggest that ethnic differences may exist among college-aged students with regard to food cravings and reasons for engaging in unhealthy eating. However, our analyses failed to find any significant differences in the accuracy of body weight/height reporting or body image satisfaction between Latino vs. Caucasian participants. The results of this project not only provide much needed information about factors related to the development of obesity in the Latino (a) population, but may also pave the way for the establishment of an externally funded program of research for the prevention and treatment of obesity within the Latino(a) community.
Description
Research Enhancement Program Final Report
Keywords
obesity, Latinos, fast food, Texas, obesity epidemic, unhealthy eating, eating behaviors
Citation
Ceballos, N. A., & Czyzewska, M. (2008). Acculturation in the fast food nation: Latinos (as) and the Texas obesity epidemic. Research Enhancement Program, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX.